Police have formally charged a 44-year-old Lusaka woman with child stealing after DNA analysis conclusively proved that she is not the biological mother of a six-week-old baby allegedly abducted from Kanyama Compound last year.
The suspect, Esther Musonda Phiri, is accused of stealing the infant on October 28, 2025, from the Mbasela area of Kanyama. The case took a decisive turn this week after forensic results confirmed that the baby belongs to the complainant, Astridah Chanda.
According to police spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi, investigations revealed that after allegedly abducting the baby, Ms Phiri renamed the child “Jenipher Monta Mwila” and went on to forge official documents, including an Under-Five Card, in an attempt to falsely present the child as her own.
Ms Phiri was apprehended in November 2025 after being identified during an identification parade. DNA samples were later collected from the baby, the complainant, and the suspect in accordance with Zambia Police Service standard procedures.
On February 4, 2026, results from the National Forensic Science and Biometrics Department confirmed that Ms Chanda is the biological mother, while Ms Phiri was conclusively excluded.
“As a result, the suspect has been charged with Child Stealing, contrary to Section 171(1)(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia,” Mr Chilabi said.
Police have also indicated that additional charges relating to Forgery and Uttering False Documents are under active consideration following the discovery of falsified records.
Meanwhile, the baby remains under the temporary care of the Department of Social Welfare as court proceedings continue.
